ALPHARETTA, Ga. (BP)–Ready for your first day of school this fall? What will you wear? Whether you plan to shop the back-to-school sales for that perfect outfit or dig a semi-clean T-shirt out of the laundry basket, we’ve got some tips for you.
Fashion is in the eye of the beholder, but as a Christian, your appearance makes more than a statement about your personal style. It makes a statement about what you really believe and consider important. If your body is the temple of God, it should look good in a way that glorifies Him. Expressing yourself is important! Just make sure that what you express doesn’t compromise what you say you believe. The impact of your testimony depends on it.
Check out these practical ideas for staying in style, maintaining modesty and keeping your budget balanced. And remember that above all, true style comes from within, based on our identity in Christ rather than the changing trends of our culture.
BUDGET BUSTING
Whether you’re spending money you’ve earned or money from your parents, the best way to help your money go the distance is to make a budget.
Before you set foot in a store, sit down and make a list. First, list how much money you have. Next, list the things that you really need for the school year. This isn’t the pair of leopard skin pants you saw and “just can’t live without.” These are the basics that you consider necessary for the year. Now, next to each item, write the amount of money you think you’ll need to spend on that item. Add up all the amounts.
If your plan requires more money than you have, it’s time to start marking some things off the list until you match the amount you have.
Finally, make a list of “I Want It” items that you can spend money on only if you have money left over. Take this list with you when you go shopping. You’ll have to be a little bit flexible since your estimated costs won’t be exact. Just remember that if you spend more on a certain item, you have to spend less on another, or eliminate something altogether. To some of you, this may sound like we’re trying to turn your back-to-school shopping spree into a math class. Try it! It sounds confining, but can actually be freeing. When you plan, you get more for your money, and you end up with the things you really need and want the most.
DO YOU REALLY NEED IT?
Did you know that according to studies by the NPD group, Inc., American teens spend about $21 billion on clothes each year? Think of all the things that could be done with even a portion of that money! Before you hit the mall, take a minute to think about those less fortunate than you. Maybe you could clean out your closet and give some extra clothes to a charity, or try setting aside a certain amount of money to purchase a gift card to be given to a family in need or donated to a shelter for abused women and children. Or maybe you’d like to sponsor a child throughout the year. Organizations like Compassion and World Vision can hook you up. We aren’t saying don’t look good — just think before you shell out the cash.
HEY GIRLS!
Add these options to your wardrobe and stay stylish while you up your modesty level.
— Racer back tank to go under spaghetti straps.
— Capri pants as alternative to short shorts.
— Tank top or T-shirt under shirt that is too low cut.
— Sheer long shirt over lower cut jeans or skirts.
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Reprinted with permission from Go! magazine, a publication of the North American Mission Board. Learn more at www.go.studentz.com.
